Take a look at these photos of some of the world’s coolest ice rinks

The Lotte World Ice Skating Rink

Located in Seoul, Korea, the Lotte rink is in the middle of the world's largest indoor theme park. The ice rink itself is surrounded by picturesque little buildings and rides, and overhead is a vaulted glass roof to let in the sunlight. At night, there's a laser show, meant to provide a romantic atmosphere for couples who go out on doubles skating dates.

2 / 11

Vienna Ice World

Vienna is known for its waterways, and in the winter, their number grows by one — but the new addition is entirely frozen. From January to March, Vienna's city hall becomes a huge ice rink, and we mean huge. It's 8,000 square metres, and runs from the front of city hall through the park on the grounds. There are also food vendors and curling rinks, as well as a huge opening ceremony on the first day of skating season.

3 / 11

Rideau Canal Skateway

How could we not include the world's largest skating rink on this list? The honour belongs to Ottawa's Rideau Canal Skateway, a winding skating path 7.8 kilometres long. If you get tired of going around in circles, this is the perfect place for you. The skateway is generally open from January to late February, and is at the heart of the annual Winterlude festival, which features all kinds of outdoor games and activities.

4 / 11

Shichahai Lake

Shichahai Lake comprises three lakes in Beijing: the Houhai, the Xihai and the Qianhai. The lakes are surrounded by beautiful buildings, and the people who head to Shichahai on winter days have the option of skating or riding on small sled-like chairs or pedalled ice-bikes.

5 / 11

Bondi Beach Ice Rink

For the first time, you can legitimately ask yourself the question: should I skate, or should I surf? The ice rink at Bondi Beach, Australia makes this incongruity possible, as it is assembled yearly for the Bondi Winter Magic Festival. How do they achieve this wintery feat beneath the blazing sun? Beneath the rink there are pipes carrying glycol, a cooling liquid, that freezes the water above.

6 / 11

Gorky Park Ice Rink

It just wouldn't be right if frozen Russia didn't have a great ice rink for this list. Thankfully, they have the wonderful rink at Gorky Park in Moscow. In the summer, Gorky Park is an amusement park with rides and games, but in the summer, it transforms into a labyrinthine ice rink, with many winding paths and thousands of LED lights at night. There are also plenty of warm drinks and snacks available at kiosks around the park.

7 / 11

Lake Louise

Ice skating is big in Canada, and so it's lucky that we are also home to one of the most beautiful skating spots in the world, Lake Louise. This rink didn't have to be built (though it is carefully maintained by the nearby Fairmont Hotel, which also constructs an ice castle every year). It comes into being each year when the lake, nestled at the foot of the mountains, freezes solid. This beautiful intersection of the elements is truly one of Canada's natural wonders.

8 / 11

The Eiffel Tower

Sure, the Eiffel Tower is an impressive landmark, but what is there to do there? Well, ice skating for one. Many people don't know that during the winter, there's a skating rink halfway up the Eiffel Tower. The rink is a not-too-shabby 190 square metres, and anyone who pays to go up the tower can skate for free. There are also snacks and drinks — and another miniature Eiffel Tower for decoration, of course.

9 / 11

The Royal Pavilion Ice Rink

The Royal Pavilion rink in Brighton, UK has exactly the kind of awe-inducing atmosphere you want from a modern skating rink. It has bright colours, beautiful architecture, and slick, glassy ice. Basically, it's an ice rink fit for royalty.

10 / 11

Zeche Zollverein Ice Rink

Ever wanted to skate through the middle of a German industrial plant? No? Well, you might after seeing this. The Zeche Zollverein is a closed coal-mining site, which consists of everything from the pits to the coking plants to the miners' housing. It is now a historic monument, and visitors can go on guided tours, see concerts, and, most importantly, go skating. The 150-metre-long rink runs along the coke ovens where coal was baked, and skaters can take in the towering chimneys and large pipes as they glide along.

Related galleries

Take a look at these photos of some of the world’s coolest ice rinks

There’s just something miraculous about ice skating. Water transforms into smooth ice, and, with the help of some bladed boots, regular people transform from lumbering humans into a gliding athletes. But in order for this magic to occur, a proper venue is required. You can’t go skating just anywhere. Even the most basic rink requires careful maintenance to …

There’s just something miraculous about ice skating. Water transforms into smooth ice, and, with the help of some bladed boots, regular people transform from lumbering humans into a gliding athletes. But in order for this magic to occur, a proper venue is required. You can’t go skating just anywhere. Even the most basic rink requires careful maintenance to keep its surface smooth and skateable, and while it’s technically possible to do without, a hot chocolate kiosk is pretty much mandatory.

The ice rinks on this list go beyond the basic requirements. They add lights and decorations, they take advantage of novel settings, and they elevate the wonder of skating with a little magic of their own. So grab a mug of hot cocoa, and picture yourself there. If you’re lucky, some of these rinks might even be around the corner from you.

Keep up to date with Dockside E-newsletter

Email:

Please enter a valid email address.

Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the subscription process, please click the link in the email we just sent you.

By submitting your information via this form, you agree to receive electronic communications from Cottage Life Media, a division of Blue Ant Media Solutions Inc., containing news, updates and promotions regarding cottage living and Cottage Life's products. You may withdraw your consent at any time.